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Natural Home Remedies: How to Make and Use a Mustard Plaster

© Traute Klein, biogardener

Mustard plaster is a tried and proven first aid solution for respiratory complaints. Learn to use it safely and about other important medicinal properties of mustard and its relatives.

How to Make and Apply a Mustard Plaster

1. Put a tight-fitting T-shirt on the patient and tuck her into bed.
2. Tear a piece of flannelette off an old pair of pajamas, nightie, or diaper, about 12" x 6".
3. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seed powder with 1 tablespoon of flour. Use either bought mustard seed powder or grind fresh seeds.
4. Add cool water to the mixture gradually till it turns into a paste.
5. Spread the paste on half of the flannelette, and fold over the other half.
6. Place on a plate and warm in an oven or microwave to take the chill off. (Only for comfort and can be skipped if not convenient.)
7. Only warm slightly. Don't cook or else the flour will harden.
8. Place the pack on the patient's chest and secure with the T-shirt.
9. Check occasionally to make sure the skin does not turn raw.

If you are alone and have no one to monitor the skin color while you are asleep, be sure to set an alarm clock to wake you in a few hours to make sure the skin does not burn.

You can vary the mustard/flour ratio depending on the patient's skin sensitivity and on the length of time you intend to leave the plaster on. If you make it very mild, you can safely leave it on all night.

Healing Properties of Mustard and its Relatives

Mustard is a member of the crucifer family. Most members of that plant family have common health benefits which have been known for centuries.

• raw cabbage is a rich source of vitamins
• sauerkraut has prevented scurvy in sailors
• sauerkraut juice is rich in enzymes and is used as one of the basic ingredients of holistic anti-cancer therapies in Germany
• radish juice is used as a respiratory decongestant in Chinese medicine
• rutabaga and turnip greens are richer in nutrients than other greens of the season

Commercial and Home Made Musterole

Musterole relieves pain by heating the skin. There are several modern equivalents available commercially, such as RUB A-535. These products have labels like HEAT, ARTHRITIS, ICE, or CAPSAISIN which is cayenne pepper.

There is also a home recipe for a similar product - cut horseradish root into a bottle and fill the bottle with hard liquor. This is said to make a good rub for arthritis.

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